One night a year the Netherlands, one of the most light-polluted countries in Europe, tries to switch off. During the Nacht van de Nacht, hundreds of businesses and municipalities turn off building and advertising lights, and organisations across the country run activities in the dark.
Think guided night walks through dunes and forests, owl and bat spotting and stargazing. It is the 22nd edition, and it falls on the weekend the clocks go back, so you get an extra hour of darkness.
- When: Saturday 24 October 2026, mostly in the evening
- Where: hundreds of locations across the Netherlands, including dune and forest reserves
- Tickets: many activities are free, some ask you to book, check the official site for what is on near you
- Getting there: depends on the activity; the official site lists locations, and plenty are close to train stations.
Good to know: bring a torch with a red light setting if you have one, and dress warmly.
Planning your year? See everything on the events calendar.
